Free Things to do in Northamptonshire When it Rains

Obviously this blog is all about inspiring you to spend more time outdoors – and for the most part we do prefer to be outdoors. However, even we sometimes fancy doing something inside from time to time (especially if the weather is particularly bad). It’s good to have a bit of variety in our lives, and we have learnt loads from visiting local places.

I find that doing anything indoors usually involves forking out lots of money, so I’ve put together a list of free things to do in Northamptonshire when it rains.

Your Local Library

Come rain or shine, our first port of call for at the start of any school holiday is the local library. The boys are both into reading and they love choosing new books. Local libraries are a great resource and many run events all year round.

Local Museums

Another favourite of ours is Northampton Museum and Art Gallery, we head there whenever there is a new exhibition. The boys also love the shoe collection and the section that has all about the history of Northampton.

The boys enjoy exploring the exhibitions at Northampton Museum and Art Gallery

Its sister museum, Abington Park Museum is also free and well worth a visit. It is situated nearby in the lovely surrounds of Abington Park, so you can make a day of it if the sun comes out!

Wellingborough Museum is free to visit and they boast a range of artifacts exploring the history of the town. Throughout the summer holidays they are holding a host of activities to keep the whole family entertained.

Daventry Museum is another museum that offers free entry, I also love the fact that they offer out the use of sensory bags, to ensure that everyone can experience a calm and enjoyable visit. These are free and can be signed out at reception.

The Sywell Aviation Museum (SAM) is a voluntary, non-profit-making organisation which aims to preserve the history of Sywell Aerodrome and Northamptonshire’s rich aviation heritage from the early days of aviation to the Second World War and beyond. There is lots to see and entry is free, the museum is open weekends and bank holidays plus Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons over the summer.

The Canal Museum at Stoke Bruene is set in a lovely location. It’s an ideal place for a walk, and if the weather doesn’t cooperate you can pop in for a look round the museum or enjoy the cafe. While entry to the museum is free, there is a charge for parking.

The Chester House Estate near Irchester offers free admission and parking, and boasts an incredible 10,000 years of history. There is a play area and museum to explore, all set in 84 acres of space. I have to admit, we’ve never been here so it’s definitely one on our list!

I’d really love to know if you visit any of these recommendations, or let me know if you have any gems that I can add to my list!